Few things affect our life more than how we deal with the never-ending choice of doing what we want or doing what we need.
Sometimes, when what you want and what you need are the same things, the choice is easy. However, in most cases, the choices are diametrically opposed.
All too often, the things we want to do are simply a bad idea when compared to doing what would be best for us in the future.
When I go out to lunch, I really like to eat hamburgers. I enjoy a good hamburger, and especially like the fries that come with the burger. Even before I order the burger, I know I should order a salad. I know that the salad would be much better for me, and I still order the burger. Five minutes after I finish the burger and fries, I regret the choice and wish I would have had the salad. “Future Me” easily recognizes that there’s really no redeeming value to my choice. It was, in hindsight, a bad choice. All that can be said is that I got what I “wanted” even though it wasn’t what I “needed.”
We all want. We all need. Some of us are just better at choosing between the two. The trick is keeping your eye on what’s important and doing your future self a favor and keeping him or her in mind when making choices. The problem is your present self is very powerful and has no real interest in anything that’s happening in the future. Your future self can be a bit of a cry baby, and, much like your parents, wants you to eat your vegetables before you get to the dessert.
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The Arkansas Bar Association held its Annual Meeting this last weekend in Hot Springs. A couple of months ago, I talked about my belief that the Arlington was going downhill, and whether I was going to stay there during the Annual Meeting. I recall that I indicated I probably would stay there, as is my tradition. Ultimately, I did stay at the Arlington, and I’m very glad I did.
When I arrived at the Arlington, I found a handwritten note from the manager and a six pack of Diet Coke in the fridge. Even though the hotel has “sold out” to Pepsi, he remembered that I like Diet Coke and stocked our fridge with the caramel colored elixir.
The Arkansas Bar Convention was, as usual, a great success. Outgoing Bar President Jim Simpson turned over the gavel to Brian Ratcliffe in yet another peaceful transfer of power, and Chief Justice Hannah updated the faithful on the “State of the Bar.” Everyone dutifully got their required continuing education hours and reconnected with friends from all over the state.
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Come to think about it, the decision to go to the Annual Bar Meeting was one of those rare choices that was both something I needed and something I wanted. That makes it a win-win situation for both Present and Future Me, and that’s a great way to start the summer. That’s true for everyone, especially those of us way up in the CHEAP SEATS!
Bill James is a co-founder of the James Law Firm with offices in Little Rock, Conway and Fayetteville, Arkansas. His primary area of practice is criminal defense. He can be contacted at Bill@JamesFirm.com